England are poised to name three players aged 21 or younger in their starting backline to face South Africa in the second Test at Ellis Park this Saturday. Jonathan Joseph of London Irish looks an increasingly likely choice as Stuart Lancaster continues his search for the right midfield blend following injuries to Brad Barritt and Mike Brown.

Manu Tuilagi and Owen Farrell, 21 and 20 respectively, both started the first Test, with the 21-year-old Joseph taking the field for the closing moments to win his first cap. Lancaster now appears to be contemplating selecting Tuilagi on the wing outside a midfield triumvirate of Joseph, Farrell and a recalled Toby Flood. Whatever the final decision, the average age of England's backs, for the second consecutive week, is likely to be only 23.

Joseph has scored 11 tries in 31 Premiership games for London Irish and he possesses pace, strength and athleticism. "He's definitely in the mix for Saturday," Lancaster said. "I've not been afraid to give players their opportunity if I think they've been involved in the environment long enough and they've shown they've got the temperament."

The Harlequins lock George Robson will lead England's midweek XV against the Southern Barbarians in Kimberley on Wednesday. Apart from replacements Tom Palmer and Lee Dickson, the squad are totally different from the first Test in Durban, with seven uncapped players in the lineup. Some of them remain in contention for a seat on the bench on Saturday, a further incentive for the likes of Danny Care, James Haskell and Alex Goode.